(MIDLOTHIAN, TEX.) –
The Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association (
will offer comprehensive forensic photography training during the 2013 LEVA Digital Multimedia Evidence Training Symposium, which runs Sept. 9-13 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Asheville, N.C. The three-day seminar, “Forensic Photography for IAI Certification,” will teach basic and advanced techniques to improve crime scene photography, as well as provide the skills needed to successfully complete the practical portion of the International Association for Identification Forensic Photography Certification.
“Proper photographic techniques are important regardless of the significance of the scene,” explained Ann Mallot of the Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory, one of two instructors for the course. “Photos are the ‘silent witness’ to the crime scene. They may record information that doesn’t necessarily seem important at the time, but can reveal the ‘smoking gun’ as the investigation develops.”
Mallot has worked in forensic photography and forensic video analysis for more than 15 years, and is the chair of the IAI Forensic Photography and Imaging Certification Board. She will be joined by Sgt. David T. Gamble of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, who retired in 2012 after a 21-year career processing crime scenes with a specialty in forensic photography.
“Some of the most common mistakes that inexperienced forensic photographers make are due to not understanding the concepts of photography from a professional standpoint,” Mallot explained. “For example, photographers will take a picture of an item of evidence, but not have any photos showing where it is in relation to the scene or the victim’s body.”
“Forensic Photography for IAI Certification” runs Sept. 11-13 and fulfills 24 hours toward LEVA certification. Participants will need a DSLR camera with external flash and flash cord, along with a tripod or similar camera support and various types of scales. (Laptops are encouraged as well for downloading images.) Enrollment is limited, and the LEVA conference fee does not cover the IAI certification application fee.
LEVA’s 24th annual conference offers a mix of hands-on workshops, case studies, and interactive seminars focused on forensic video and audio technologies, as well as video production and editing tools. Many sessions throughout the five-day conference have limited availability, and pre-registration is required. For travel information, as well as the conference schedule and pricing options, visit
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ABOUT LEVA
LEVA is a nonprofit corporation committed to improving the quality of video training and promoting the use of state-of-the-art, effective equipment in the law enforcement and emergency services community. Our mission is to serve as a key resource to the global public safety community by focusing on the needs of video production and forensic imaging disciplines by providing opportunities for professional development through quality training and informational exchange. We make a positive contribution to a more competent public safety establishment. Find out more at leva.org.
